KINGS NOTEBOOK: KINGS HOPE TO FINISH LONG TRIP ON UP NOTE.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

VANCOUVER - The Kings close out their longest road trip since the 1993-94 season tonight in San Jose, where they haven't won this year.

So far, it has been an up-and-down-and-up trip, including a victory over mighty Detroit and a loss the next night to struggling Buffalo. They were beaten up in Edmonton then pounded Calgary for seven consecutive goals.

But the best part for the Kings is that after this seven-game trip ends, they have only seven games on the road the rest of the way.

``Even at the beginning of the year, this stretch of games just stood out there on the schedule,'' center Ian Laperriere said. ``We were hoping to have everyone healthy and ready for it and we did for the most part. We knew if we got through it, the rest of the schedule had us at home a lot.''

The longest trip the rest of the season is a five-game stretch to Philadelphia, Boston and Atlanta, beginning March 22. The Kings return to Vancouver on April 5.

Coach Andy Murray said the emotional ups and downs are part of any extended road trip. After the victory in Detroit, the Kings lost in Buffalo and Edmonton then trailed Calgary 2-0 just 10 minutes into the game.

Murray called a timeout and got the team refocused.

``The road is a tough place,'' he said. ``To us the game and the trip and maybe the season was right there. A lot of times timeouts are called at the game when you pull your goalie and are trying to tie the game. There was no reason to wait.''

--Brashear visits Canucks: Vancouver's Donald Brashear made his first public appearance since taking a stick to the head by Boston defenseman Marty McSorley last Monday.

Brashear, who suffered a concussion and numerous facial lacerations, received a loud ovation when he was introduced to the crowd from one of the luxury suites.

Brashear will not be allowed any physical activity for two to three weeks, but hopes to return to the team before the end of the season.

--Quick whistles:Steve Kariya, brother of Ducks star Paul Kariya, was benched by the Canucks on Friday after taking two penalties that led to power-play goals Wednesday in Anaheim. Vancouver tied the Mighty Ducks 4-4, ending their first chance at a four-game winning streak in three years.

KINGS vs. SHARKS

Time: 7 p.m., at San Jose Arena

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net/ESPN2; KRLA-AM (1110)

Matchup: The Kings end their longest trip in seven years tonight in San Jose, where they had one of their most painful losses the last time here. Luc Robitaille tied the Jan. 15 game in the final minute of regulation only to lose in overtime on a goal by Owen Nolan. Even though the Sharks have been slumping, dropping behind the Kings into the eighth and final playoff spot, Nolan continues to have an outstanding season. He is the third in the NHL with 36 goals and points with 70. Nolan leads the league in power play goals with 15.

- Matt McHale

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Box: Kings vs. Sharks (see text)